Springtime in The Valley

Lovely, historic Belle Grove Plantation, built in 1797

Armchair Adventures

for April 15, 2012

by Paul Sullivan

Vistas in the Valley of Virginia

            I cannot tell you why I turned left at the stop sign, heading south on US 11.

But I did, and it proved to be a revelation.

            On a whim, historic Middletown offered a sight unseen, a place not explored.

But nice as that small town was, the sight I shall long remember was not in Middletown but just beyond it where the old Valley Pike follows a ridge through the Cedar Creek Battlefield.

            One look westward across the deeply rolling Spring-green, farm-dotted hills to the distant ridge of the Alleghenies and I stopped the car. Words fail such a scene.

            My friend, CG, and I had set out Saturday to explore several villages in the Upper Shenandoah Valley. We never got to them.

            In an instant, we knew our plans for the day would change. There had to be a way to soak in this wonder, to feel it in our pores. It was that thrilling.

            We could stop at the battlefield visitor center, or follow that gray thread of a road off the highway to stately Belle Grove in the valley beyond. I took the thread.

            Built in 1797, Belle Grove was once the center of a prosperous 7,500-acre farming community. The property came into the family through a patent obtained by Hite's grandfather, Jost Hite, in 1714. He is the first known European settler in the Valley.

            Hite's wife, Nelly, was the sister of President James Madison. 

            Guided tours of the home are offered, as is a self-guided tour of the grounds. While it is much reduced from its original size, the estate continues to encompass 283 acres of what has to be some of the most beautiful rural country in Virginia. The web address is bellegrove.org

            Every Virginian should see this site, if only to be reminded of the state's impressive heritage. Because we had not planned on Belle Grove, we did not allow time enough for it. A more manageable day would include lunch at The Irish Isle Restaurant & Pub in Middletown-which we did-followed by a minimum two hours for Belle Grove and the Cedar Creek Battlefield visitor Center. Walking shoes and a camera with a wide lens are musts.

            The 1864 battle, centering on Belle Grove and sometimes going by that name, was a major clash of forces contesting control of the Shenandoah Valley.

            Our day did include at least one stop we had planned-at the always enjoyable State Arboretum at Blandy Farm, east of Winchester on the south side of US 50.

            For anyone who loves the outdoors, trees, flowers, gardens and birds, no trip to this part of Virginia is complete without a stop at Blandy. The 700-acre experimental farm is operated by the University of Virginia.

            Its collections include more than 6,000 trees plus a huge assortment of shrubs in many themed gardens. There are miles of trails at Blandy, and it is a favorite with birders, photographers and painters as well as horseback riders.

            We wandered trails, tree-lined walks, a scenic gazebo overlooking a fertile wetland and gardens of both native plants and herbs.

            There is much to see here. Be sure to pick up the map of the grounds at the kiosk next to the parking lot. Oh, and by all means bring a picnic. There are two quite nice picnic areas. And dogs are allowed if leashed within 200 yards of buildings. Give it half a day, minimum, if this is your cup of tea.

            I only wish this outdoors showcase of the Shenandoah Valley was half as far from Fredericksburg.